King of England from 1272, son of Henry III (1207–72). He led the royal forces against Simon de Montfort (the Younger) in the Barons' War of 1264–67, and was on a crusade when he succeeded to the throne. He established English rule over all of Wales in 1282–84, and secured recognition of his overlordship from the Scottish king, although the Scots under Sir William Wallace and Robert (I) the Bruce fiercely resisted actual conquest. His reign saw Parliament move towards its modern form with the Model Parliament of 1295. He married Eleanor of Castile (1254–90) and in 1299 married Margaret, daughter of Philip III of France. He was succeeded by his son Edward II (1284–1327).

Edward was a noted castle builder, including the northern Welsh Conway castle, Caernarvon castle, Beaumaris castle, and Harlech castle. He was also responsible for building bastides to defend the English position in France.

Timeline

1272

Edward learns that he has succeeded to the throne on his way home from the Crusade

1274

Edward is crowned in Westminster Abbey

1282

Edward invades North Wales and defeats Llewellyn ap Gruffydd the last ruler of an independent Wales

1284

Independence of the Welsh is ended by the Statute of Rhuddlan

1290

Edward's wife Eleanor dies at Harby in Nottinghamshire. Her body is brought back to London and a cross erected at each stop along the journey - Geddington, Hardingston, Waltham, and the most famous at Charing Cross.

1292

Edward chooses John Balliol to be the new King of Scotland

1295

Model Parliament is summoned

1295

John Balliol reneges on his allegiance to Edward and signs alliance with King Philip IV of France

1296

Edward invades Scotland, defeats the Scots at Dunbar and deposes Balliol. He then takes over the throne of Scotland and removes the Stone of Scone to Westminster.

1297

Scots rise against English rule and, led by William Wallace, defeat Edward at the Battle of Stirling Bridge

1298

Edward invades Scotland again and defeats William Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk

1299

Edward marries Margaret of France

1301

Edward makes his son Prince of Wales, a title conferred on every first born son of the monarchy ever since.